To whomever sent the unsigned letter to my house yesterday:
If your intent was to hurt, you succeeded. If your intent was to help, you have a grave misunderstanding of the issue and the proper means by which to confront somebody.
Since you are obviously a fan of quoting scripture, let me share one with you:
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
-Matthew 18: 15-17 (NIV)
I’m far from an expert on the matter, but I’m almost positive that when Jesus said “go and show him his fault, just between the two of you” that he did not mean “send an anonymous letter, eliminating the possibility of explanation or discussion.” I’m not sure how that is supposed to win someone over.
I do know that it was hurtful and unfounded, and if you have any backbone whatsoever you will confront the person you’re trying to correct rather than fire off arrows under the protection of anonymity.
Dan just told me about this…
hmmm…………
Very well put Tom and something to think about…
Tom,
My household received the exact same letter- with just the names changed. I echo your thoughts, bro! I’m glad you provided this opportunity to voice my thoughts and I sincerely hope the author reads all of our comments.
At this point, I know of at least 3 people who were devastated by the contents of this stink bomb.This seems similar to the letter Tom Brokaw received that was laced with Anthrax. It’s only intent was to do great harm.
And if that was the intended purpose of the letter, it hit its mark.
But it seems ironic that this person quoted the Bible, because if they intend to quote the words of Jesus, they also need to follow the ways of Jesus. So by all means, let’s open the Bible and see what it has to say…
1. Matt 7:1-2.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the SAME WAY you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
It is interesting that he emphasizes the WAY you judge and not necessarily WHAT you are judging.
It is also interesting to read James 4:12,
“There is only one lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you-who are you to judge your neighbor?”
God is the one that will lower the gavel, so we have no business sentencing anyone.
2. Gal. 6:1-2
” Brothers, if someone is entangled in a sin, you who are SPIRITUAL should restore him gently.”
IF
you are close enough to this person to notice a “sin” and
IF
you truly care about the person and
IF
you are following the Spirit
THEN
you should gently restore them.
[*This is the same word that we would use to reset a bone that is broken- which implies a knowledgeable, gentle, hands-on touch.]
If you’re close enough to snoop into someone’s shortcomings, why don’t you stay close enough to stoop to help them out! Why would you run away and write a letter? If you truly care about them, you should stay close enough to them to help them.
Paul goes on to say in verse 2,
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Once again, we see the personal touch of carrying and helping someone who has a heavy load.
**Both of these thoughts would rule out ever sending an anonymous letter. How can you carry a burden or restore someone anonymously.
3. Gal. 6:3- 4
“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, WITHOUT COMPARING HIMSELF TO SOMEBODY ELSE.”
If their intent was to get an ego boost, I hope they realize that God never intended for us to feel better about ourselves by pointing out the shortcomings of others. This reduces our goodness to being seen by men to receive an applause. And if that is goal of our righteousness, then we have received our reward in full.
I certainly hope this is the last anonymous letter this person sends. It was truly hurtful. If a letter isn’t worth signing your name to, it’s not worth taking to heart.
I think this whole situation is very sad. I count on my Christian friends to be encouraging and uplifting, not discouraging and downgrading. I hope and pray that whoever sent these letters will come forward.
Well, I had planned on adding an anonymous comment and apologize in behalf of the Anonymous family, but this website won’t allow that. I suppose that’s probably for the best.
Why is it that the Anonymous family is so full of jerks? It seems like some of the most cleaver things ever said in history are attributed to members of that family. But whenever I actually have one of them send me a letter, they seem to loose all their wit and become raving, judgmental meanies.
I have, from time to time been tempted to join that family, but it seems like every time I feel like doing that, it’s because I know that I am doing stuff to which I don’t want my family name attached. I don’t remember ever actually sending anything anonymously, because it just feels so yucky.
Do you suppose it’s possible that anonymity allows all the broken parts of us to come out - the most wretchedly sinful parts? Why is it that people who would not dream of looking at porn if people knew about it are willing to do so if they can be anonymous while doing it? Because they hide their sins.
It is interesting when religious people are sinful through the prism of religion. But its the same drive that sends them toward anonymity - they knew what they are doing is evil. They have dressed their sin up in the garments of righteousness, but it is still judgmental disobedience to Jesus. It’s still sin.
Paul said: “For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.” Ephesians 5:12 Perhaps I should be ashamed of even making this comment.
Sad.
I am sorry, Tom.
Apparently, the anonymous letter sender as not stopped, because I just received a letter. Unfortunately, someone has decided that it’s appropriate to slander and hurt without taking the responsibility for the words that they are putting worth!
You’ve put many of my thoughts on paper, but I wish that there was a way that the people involved were able to speak with the this person or persons personally.